Many hardwood trees appear to be dead or dying, however some of these trees may be experiencing early dormancy or shedding individual branches to conserve their own resources - especially in the Elm tree, Texas Red Oaks and Water Oak trees. Dormancy or shedding is a natural method in which trees protect themselves to ensure their survivability.

Dormancy is marked by leaves turning brown, typically falling off and the tree appearing to be dead. If an oak tree has a limb which is accessible, it can be scratched or the end of the limb can be bent to see if it is pliable versus brittle.

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department is monitoring a number of the trees that have the potential to be a hazard versus removing them in anticipation that many will return to their normal vibrancy in the spring of 2012.

If the trees do not show signs of life next year, they may have to be removed. Please call The Woodlands Township at 281-210-3900 or submit an online Service Request.

Texas is in one of the worst droughts in state history. If you have a tree in your yard, it’s likely stressed from the drought. Help your trees by watering. A few dollars worth of water may protect your tree investment. Please be advised of any water restrictions.

If you can, avoid watering during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Check with The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency for water restrictions. Currently, odd addresses are to water on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and even addresses on Thursdays and Sundays . Extreme drought conditions prompted The Woodlands MUDs, served by The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency, to move directly from Stage 1 to Stage 3 – Severe Water Shortage Conditions – of the drought contingency plan.

Your trees are very valuable. Follow these simple directions to help your trees to survive this extreme drought:

If you use a garden hose: Test your soil with a screwdriver blade. If it doesn’t go into the soil 6 to 8 inches it’s time to deeply water. Water pressure for the hose should be adjusted so the water doesn’t run off. Water closer to the trunk first and work your way out from there. Check every half hour until you know how long it takes for water to penetrate the soil to at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Once the screwdriver goes in at least 6 to 8 inches, note how long it took to water that spot. Keep moving the hose under that canopy of the tree until it is all watered. Repeat every week during a severe drought.

If you use a soaker hose: Soaker hoses work best for small to medium sided trees. It is a slow tree watering method. Test your soil with a screwdriver blade. If it doesn’t go in 6 to 8 inches into the soil it’s time to deeply water. On some soaker hoses, it can take four hours to put out one inch of water and eight hours for two inches of water. Put out 1 to 2 inches of water under the tree, start near the trunk. Make sure to at least water the entire area under the canopy. Repeat every week during a severe drought.

If you use a sprinkler: This is the fastest method to water your tree. Test your soil with a screwdriver blade. If it doesn’t go in 6 to 8 inches into the soil it’s time to deeply water. Put a can out under the sprinkler and water until there is 1 inch of water in the can. It will take about 30 minutes depending on your sprinkler. Check your container water levels every 15 minutes or so until you know how long it takes to put out 1 inch of water. Once you know how long it takes for your sprinkler to put out 1 inch, just set your timer and keep moving the sprinkler around under the canopy of the tree. Put 1 to 2 inches of water out in each spot. After a couple of hours, check how deep you have watered by pushing a screwdriver at least 6 to 8 inches deep into the soil. The blade will go in as far as water has penetrated. Water more if it doesn’t go in at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Repeat weekly in severe drought.

Don’t apply high-salt, quick release fertilizers or dig under the canopy of a tree in a severe drought. Don’t prune live branches off young trees just because of the drought. The tree may need these branches when the rains return.

The community’s 45 ponds have been impacted by the drought and high temperatures. It is estimated that ponds can lose approximately 1/4” of water per day through evaporation and transpiration. Some indicators of immediate stress are: fish are visible at the surface of the water early in the morning and returning to deeper water later in the day; when oxygen levels rise, water rapidly changes color, usually brown, black, or gray; or the pond suddenly has a putrid odor.

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department is monitoring the Township’s ponds weekly, including checking the levels of dissolved oxygen, PH, and temperature. Additionally, depending on conditions, fountains may need to be turned off due to the low water levels.

In looking for water, wildlife will be more visible within the community. To avoid wildlife encounters, do not make your area welcoming to them.• Repair dry rot, gaps in boards, holes, loose soffit vents and gables.• Remove tree branches overhanging the roof that provide walkways.• Stack firewood at least 18” off the ground and away from walls and fences.• Clean up piles of brush that provide nesting areas.• Stop feeding pets or birds outside until activity stops.• Store pet food and bird seed in secure containers indoors.• Keep garbage can lids closed and secured.• Repair leaking faucets that provide water.

Even though The Woodlands has experienced a small amount of rain, the fire department still discourages the use of charcoal grills and would prefer that you use the propane type. However if you wish to utilize charcoal grills, please be aware of the weather conditions and most importantly, your surroundings. Place the grill in an area well away from any dry or dead vegetation, constantly monitor while cooking and have a water supply available in case any sources of ignition leave the container. If the wind speed is high enough to blow any embers outside of the grill container, you are encouraged not to use charcoal or wood. For additional questions, please call the fire department at 281-367-3444. Should you observe any uncontrolled open flame, please dial 911 for emergency services.